Introducing The Main Character

~TigerFey Feb 12, 2013

Something I want to ask in regards to meeting the main character.

Is it wise that the main character isn't introduced till the second chapter? In my novel, supporting characters such as supporting heroes and the villains are introduced in the first chapter but the real main hero isn't met till chapter 2. Chapter 1 is more to set the world we're in.

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Devious Comments

~AircatSkylion Feb 14, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

Do what you like and if it works then it doesn't matter if it's 'right' or not.

~mondu Feb 12, 2013

Fine. Just don't do it the way Clive Barker does. Sometimes he introduces the main character a couple of hundred or so pages in. Kinda annoying because the character in the previous pages just dropped out of sight.

~nishi Feb 12, 2013

I think it's fine. 8D Heck, you could probably focus on the villains for half a story before coming across a hero that'll get rid'a them. The reverse happens plenty often too.

I just hope it's not that kinda cliche thing where a story focuses on some scene where the viewer has no idea what's happening or who's who, and it's all basically just stuff that won't make sense until later - and theeeeen the next part has a proper introduction and story. 8D

~Lytrigian Feb 12, 2013 Hobbyist Writer

There's nothing wrong with waiting a bit until we meet the main character. However:

Chapter 1 is more to set the world we're in.

THIS is a problem.

`Memnalar Feb 13, 2013

Yeah, that should really be done in the prologue.

::runs, hides::

~Lytrigian Feb 13, 2013 Hobbyist Writer

~Hurricaneclaw Feb 12, 2013 Hobbyist Digital Artist

As long as it works, whatever.

^neurotype Feb 12, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

Do you need a whole chapter to set the stage? Is there a reason it's not done from the MC's perspective?

Bulgakov pulls it off in 'The Master and Margarita,' but I think that whole book is fairly unique.

~Cindertwig Feb 13, 2013

Isn't a set the stage chapter called a prolouge?

^neurotype Feb 13, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

It can be, good point!

Cf. discussion on how prologues are usually unnecessary.

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